Live-Blogging the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games kicks off Sunday evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in central Delhi at 7 p.m. IST. The run-up has been plagued by delays, accidents and athlete pull-outs. Will India put on a good show and dispel all the doubts about its ability to host a multidisciplinary sports event?

Wall Street Journal reporters watching from the stadium, at the Games press center, and yes, following the state-run television broadcast at home will blog about the evening for India Real Time as it unfolds.

Sheila Dikshit, Mike Fennell, Suresh Kalmadi in the house

Mike Fennell, Commonwealth Games Federation president, is in the stadium.

So is M.S. Gill, India’s sports minister, and Sheila Dikshit, Delhi’s chief minister. All will be mightily relieved to have got to this point — the opening ceremony 40 minutes away and so far all seems to be going smoothly.

Bizarrely, considering the pre-Games fiasco, Ms. Dikshit got a big cheer. There she is, waving to the crowd — maybe all is forgiven. Will Suresh Kalmadi, head of the organizing committee, get cheered as well?

By Paul Beckett

8:48 am

I’m watching from a pretty good spot–the media is given great seats at the edge of the field, a perk of the job. And it’s all very well organized with a ticket that says Gate: 2, entry 7C, section A2, row 4, seat 7. Except there is no row 4 and no seat 7. “Sit wherever you want, it’s first come first serve,” says one helpful staffer.

By Paul Beckett

8:50 am

For the common ticket holder (like me), the adventure from the metro station to seat took 1.5 hours and hit its climax with a stampede frightening to anyone who’s never experienced one.

There was pushing, shouting, a crowd packed so tightly it felt like my feet weren’t touching the ground. In every other major sporting event I’ve attended there are roped lines, and people follow them. Here, there are unmanaged, though mostly good-natured, crowds. But when a gate opens, everyone from tiny old women to six-feet-tall men puts their hands on your back and pushes.

A kind young man offered some comfort when we made it through. “It’s okay. We’re done.”

By Emily Veach

8:52 am

Turks & Caicos is here

One of the strengths of the Commonwealth Games is that is allows small countries and territories that rarely compete, let alone shine, at big events to strut their stuff on the world stage. To wit: The Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean, which has a population of 30,000 and a Games team of eight athletes and four officials. The officials, resplendent in blazers and khakis, are expecting a lot from the ceremony: “India is going to put on a show that is out of this world,” predicts Rita Gardiner, president of the Commonwealth Games Association there.

The contestants are competing in the 400 x 100 meter relay, a few other athletic events and weightlifting. The relay features 16-year-old Delano Williams whom Ms. Gardiner said was ranked number seven in world youth sprinting. Turks & Caicos also would like to compete more aggressively in international swimming, given that it is surrounded by water. But it doesn’t have a single Olympic-sized pool.

By Paul Beckett

8:53 am

Kalmadi reception

Re: arrivals, Mr. Kalmadi seemed to get a cheer when announced in English and a mix of cheers and jeers when announced in Hindi.

By Paul Beckett

9:07 am

Lights have gone down, we’re in a “blue phase.”

By Paul Beckett

8:58 am

It’ll be interesting to see the reception to his speech later. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is supposed to be speaking too, and so is Mr. Fennell.

I imagine the bar is set much higher for folks at the stadium, who have spent as long in security and waiting as they will watching the ceremony.

For us at home, there’s the attractive Mayanti Langer, who covered FIFA for ESPN India, and Charu Sharma on Doordarshan Sports. They’ve been talking since 5:30 p.m.

By Tripti Lahiri

8:59 am

The prime minister is here

Big cheer for India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he is shown on the big screens exiting a black limo and entering the stadium. Not a cheer of Elvis proportions but respectable for a mild-mannered technocrat.

By Paul Beckett

9:16 am

Synchronized yoga

According to a program for the pre-ceremony show, the DJ in charge is Sumit Sethi. According to his web site, his career objective is: “Rock the world with my music and rule the hearts forever.” He’s done well for himself getting this gig, even if he notes that his early career had only the “lukewarm support of his family.”

By Paul Beckett

9:15 am

A shout-out to the Indian Air Force

If this seems to be going according to, or even ahead of, plan, it may have something to do with the military. A Games volunteer told me that Indian Air Force wing commanders were drafted to supervise protocol teams.

By Paul Beckett

9:20 am

Prince Charles’s brother Edward, Earl of Wessex, just arrived. His trip had been kept very quiet.

The president of Nauro, one of the tiniest participating nations, also arrived. He didn’t get as big a cheer as Sonia Gandhi.

By Paul Beckett

9:20 am

ronniekapoor92‎ via Twitter: “its time for CWG in delhi !! come out and play !!!!go INDIA go go go.”

By Anirban Roy

9:11 am

Another small country dispatch: Gibraltar, which has the same population as the Turks & Caicos, has dispatched a team of 15 that includes rhythmic gymnastics hopeful 16-year-old Nicola Bosio.

I saw her mother, Jeanine Goldwin, brandishing a flag with “Gibraltar Nicola Go Go” on it. Gibraltar athletes compete with the U.K. team at the Olympics. Her hope for the opening ceremony: “I hope to see an elephant,” says Ms. Goldwin.

By Paul Beckett

9:22 am

venkatananth‎ via twitter: “I hope we do have a good Games. About time the people of India deserve what they’ve paid for. And a few good medals will do just fine.”

By Anirban Roy

9:28 am

We are still in the ceremony’s “blue period” – blue spots in the stadium’s “peaks” and occasional ripples across the the vast floor. Big puppets and huge drums lie waiting for action. The $8 million aerostat filled with helium is waiting for takeoff. In the shadows it looks like a blimp with dishes underneath.

By Paul Beckett

9:14 am

Doordarshan’s feed has gone over to the stadium. It looks packed. Lots of people still walking up and down looking for their seats or something though.

By Tripti Lahiri

9:15 am

It’s clear they’re going to use that multi-million-dollar technological marvel (I.e. balloon) to the max! It’s nearly as high as the stadium and takes up a large chunk of the floor area. Below the balloon is a web of mirrors that are about five-feet in diameter.

The stage under the mirrors is surrounded by drums and there are some chairs set up on the floor, maybe for volunteers or VIPs. Not much activity on the floor itself.

Three minutes to go! “Are you ready?” The woman asked on the loudspeaker

By Emily Veach

9:26 am

@realpreityzinta via twitter: “All the best 2 all the athletes participating in the CW Games ! Hope India wins LOTS of gold medals ! Am hoping to attend some games 2 “

By Anirban Roy

9:28 am

CWG Trivia: The Commonwealth isn’t just former nations of the British Empire – two countries recently joined that aren’t old British colonies, Mozambique and Rwanda.

By Paul Beckett

9:19 am

Everyone is standing for the anthem. It’s kind of an impressive scene.

By Tripti Lahiri

9:29 am

Performers waiting to go on.

By Paul Beckett

9:30 am

The crowd is clapping and the lights have come up. Here we go.

By Paul Beckett

9:32 am

The crowd is eating it up – there’s a sea of cellphone lights and camera flashes all around.

By Emily Veach

9:33 am

The aerostat, covered in lights, rose — thank heaven! Fireworks from the top of the stadium.

By Paul Beckett

9:34 am

Camilla Parker-Bowles is wearing an exciting shimmery white kurta.

By Tripti Lahiri

9:34 am

9:36 am

What luck we’re having with the weather. Those waving, gigantic puppets would surely not perform well if soaked (the stadium is uncovered).

By Emily Veach

9:37 am

Huge puppets suspended from the aerostat are hovering at stadium roof level — and images of drummers are projected on the balloon. Got to give it to the organizers, it’s an impressive seen.

By Paul Beckett

9:38 am

A small winsome prodigy is playing the tablas now. DD says he started when he was just two years old.

By Tripti Lahiri

9:39 am

shubhos‎ via twitter: “The power of the visual. All naysayers have shut up, last 5 mins. Good.”

By Anirban Roy

9:29 am

Lines of dancers have spread out across the stadium floor in traditional costumes. If part of picking India for the Games was for the exotic factor, Mr. Fennell should be well pleased. Can’t imagine Canada, a hosting contender, doing this (sorry Canada).

By Paul Beckett

9:40 am

The large puppets are being controlled by teams of four people pulling ropes.

The tabla kid looks ecstatic. And he’s really drumming himself unlike that poor kid at the Beijing Olympics who had to sing off-stage while a prettier girl lip-synched on stage. India 1, China 0.

By Paul Beckett

9:33 am

Yet more young men and women in shiny white about to hit the floor as the dancers and drummers head back to the tunnel under the aerostat. Memories of dirty Games Village toilets are fading fast.

By Paul Beckett

9:44 am

Actually make that six people pulling ropes. That’s hard work!

By Emily Veach

9:45 am

The first section lasted 13 minutes, which puts us ahead of schedule. Who’d have thought it? The next section is supposed to be 30 minutes long.

By Emily Veach

9:47 am

The aerostat is showing an Incredible India commercial. Mmmm, they couldn’t make a new video? It’s a longer version of the one where the vaguely backpacker white dude heads across country. But the crowd loved it.

By Paul Beckett

9:52 am

An aerostat is raised into the air during the opening ceremony. [AP/Kevin Frayer]

9:51 am

Hariharan is under the aerostat, dancers on each side of the field are carrying red silk arches. Slightly odd but not unattractive. Hariharan is one of India’s most versatile singers, a Keralite and – who knew? – was judged best male playback singer at the 1995 Tamil Nadu State Government Film Awards. He’s done a lot since!

By Paul Beckett

9:42 am

A lot of bewildered and earnest looking children in Nehru caps dancing now.

Ah the drummers have re-emerged from under the aerostat. What is it like down there. Australia leads the procession as 2006 host, all tensions over curry-bashing (violence on Indians Down Under) firmly banished for the night. They’ve come in force. Is there anyone left in Oz?

By Paul Beckett

9:46 am

I see what you mean about the “moving mehndi” – the telecast is a little, um, delayed. The kids are under the white sheet painting and, in synchronization, a red hand appears…cool!

By Tripti Lahiri

10:01 am

CWG trivia: which animal is featured on the Anguilla flag? Three dolphins.

Belize is in the House!! Belize is a tiny nation next to Guatemala. The crowd’s giving everyone a cheer, though.

By Paul Beckett

10:01 am

The TV telecast is well behind. We’re in another ad break now.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:02 am

Now I think about it, can’t say Australia won any points for fashion. Shiny grey suits and green, blue or yellow shirts? Struth, it’s a little Maradona.

By Paul Beckett

10:05 am

rohan107‎ via twitter: “Come on DD…Would you stop the gazillion advts get on with the CWG Opening ceremony please?”

By Anirban Roy

10:07 am

England just entered to a smaller cheer than the Canadian received. They’re wearing white pants and tops with bright red vests.

By Emily Veach

10:08 am

Now we’re at the Falkland Islands.

By Paul Beckett

9:58 am

I’ve seen what feels like the fifth ad with Shahrukh Khan for the Kingdom of Dreams. And only now we see Australia appear!

By Tripti Lahiri

10:09 am

Are the kids in tricolor still waving their hands in the air? How tiring.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:00 am

Feels a bit like Indian wedding (yes, there’s that analogy again!) where every aunty and uncle on the family tree gets an introduction before the main event.

The show had more momentum before this. Keep it moving folks!

By Amol Sharma

10:01 am

There’s now a five-deep ring of drummers on stage!

By Emily Veach

10:13 am

I think seeing the teams is more fun for the TV watchers — the cameras zoom in up close so you get a nice look at the athletes. I like the Indian ladies in pastel saris who precede each country. We’re now on Bangladesh.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:15 am

Fireworks over the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. Click to see the rolling slideshow.

By Getty Images

10:16 am

One of the beauties of the CWG: Where else do Guernsey and Jersey get to march in a parade like other, other than the Channel Island Olympiad (if such a thing exists).

By Paul Beckett

10:17 am

Some of the athletes in the procession are filming the stadium and the spectators with their digital cameras — that’s kind of sweet.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:07 am

The crowd does seem to be a bit bored as the countries go by. Or maybe they’re saving their energy for the home team?

By Emily Veach

10:20 am

I like the flower head-dresses of the Cook Island folks — pretty! The men are wearing them too.

And then on to a Cypriot gymnast.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:20 am

10:13 am

I like how they beam the flag of the country that’s coming in onto the blimp. It’s sort of helpful.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:14 am

What a great range of traditional outfits — Ghana’s draped tunics were lovely.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:25 am

@JacksonTar via twitter: “Commonwealth Games opening ceremony looks like London 2012 Olympics have got a big act to follow :-)”

By Anirban Roy

10:27 am

Maldives got a decent hand from the crowd. Besides being a popular vacation spot, it is also responsible for a large chunk of the foreign direct investment coming into India because of the tax benefits. Crowd says: thanks for the low taxes and nice beaches.

By Amol Sharma

10:27 am

Dancers performed at the opening ceremony. [AFP/Getty Images]

10:28 am

A lot of people are stepping out of the stands–”intermission”! Did I call it or did I call it?

By Emily Veach

10:28 am

Pakistan gets the biggest cheer of the night so far, even before they were announced. The parade of nations reversed directions, we must have hit the half-way mark. Whew!

By Emily Veach

10:30 am

A performer plays a drum during the opening ceremony. [Reuters]

10:31 am

The mini “Zakir Hussain” during the first segment is seven-year-old Keshav from Auroville (a sort of commune) near Pondicherry, according the Press Trust of India. PTI says he mesmerized “President Pratibha Patil and Prince Charles, synchronizing his tabla with the beat of a variety of drummers numbering over 800.”

By Krishna Pokharel

10:33 am

CWG trivia: Norfolk Island almost never came to Delhi. The reason: until recently it was impossible to dial the Pacific Island territory from India. Indian telecom regulators stepped in and fixed the glitch just in time.

By Amol Sharma

10:33 am

Kilts!!

The 2014 hosts Scotland got a great response. Is it because they’re the next hosts or because they’re all in kilts? Who doesn’t love a kilt?

By Emily Veach

10:35 am

Just spoke to an event official. So far so good, he said: “As long as nothing technical goes wrong, we’ll be fine.” For now, it appears to be going like clockwork. Keeping fingers crossed. And toes.

By Paul Beckett

10:25 am

JayMinawala‎ via twitter: “The opening ceromony of the games is looking spectacular at the #CWG. Its gonna be an Indian wedding after all. All is well that ends well”

10:40 am

Re: Kilts. BBC presenters certainly like them, apparently. One of them just ran into the Scottish contingent as it was almost passed and yanked a bonnie laddy back to the camera at the side of the track. He’s on air now.

By Paul Beckett

10:36 am

Children dressed in the national flag’s colors perform at the XIX Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. [Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/Getty Images]

10:37 am

Didn’t Scotland start the whole brouhaha over the Games Village by distributing photos of the filthy bathrooms to the BBC? They led the revolt against the Organizing Committee that almost resulted in several big nations pulling out. But they came and are feeling the love from the crowd now.

If the Games Federation let each of the 71 nations and territories do one piece of the Games preparations, it would be a safe bet to give India the big show. Seems to be its sweet spot.

By Amol Sharma

10:28 am

Wasn’t New Zealand rather soberly dressed for the occasion? All black and white scarves?

By Tripti Lahiri

10:39 am

Wheelchair table tennis player carried the flag for Nigeria. Have seen a lot of folks in wheelchairs in some of the other delegations too (Australia). Interesting.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:44 am

Finally, a vuvuzela, thanks to the South African team who are brandishing them and honking. Headline: India’s Dream of a Vuvuzela-free Games Blown Away.

By Paul Beckett

10:42 am

The Indian contingent is yet to show up but the Times of India is now saying the athlete carrying India’s tricolor in the ongoing athletes’ parade will be shooter Abhinav Bindra, India’s only individual gold medalist in the Beijing Olympics. Let’s see.

By Krishna Pokharel

10:43 am

Prince Charles and Camilla watching intently, if a bit seriously, and she’s pointing at something — what I wonder? (this was during Pakistan’s entry and yes even at home, I could hear the extra applause they got)

Entertainers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. [Getty Images]

10:37 am

Pondering. Didn’t the Vanuatu team enter carrying umbrellas? For the record, those are on the list of prohibited items. Security must have made an exception.

By Emily Veach

10:38 am

And indeed the tricolor is with Mr. Bindra!

By Krishna Pokharel

10:38 am

The ubiquitous trash bins don’t seem to be affecting Delhiites’ habit of tossing garbage on the ground. The walkway near the concession stands is littered with the remains of chicken tikka wraps and Coke bottles. Policeman agrees but says, “What can we do? Work is more, people are less.” What about those thousands of Games volunteers??

By Amol Sharma

10:51 am

Schoolchildren perform during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. [Getty Images]

10:41 am

DilliDurAst‎ via twitter: “The applause for Pakistan at #CWG opening, a month before 2nd anniv of 26/11 shows people of India want nothing but peace. Moment to cherish”

By Anirban Roy

10:42 am

In the days running up to the opening ceremony there’s been a crowd on the elevated road that goes by the stadium every night, taking pictures of the changing lights. Those floodlights lighten the sky up to a kilometer away.

It would have probably been mobbed tonight if they hadn’t stopped car and foot traffic in the stadium’s vicinity today. It’s been quieter than yesterday in the city than yesterday — and yesterday was a national holiday for Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:58 am

Is it just me or do the drummers seem slightly less energetic than they were back at Australia?

By Tripti Lahiri

10:59 am

Suresh Kalmadi’s speech. Wow. Bit of booing from the Hindi speakers, as before. He’s still being booed. Wow. Lots of jeering. Delhi vents.

By Paul Beckett

10:45 am

Some of the booing gets a “tsk, tsk” from other audience members.

By Emily Veach

10:46 am

But when he asks for a shout-out to the volunteers the crowd obliges.

By Emily Veach

10:46 am

The national flag of Pakistan is displayed on the aerostat. [Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/Getty Images]

“There have been delays and many challenges but we have risen above them all,” says Mr. Kalmadi. He takes a few minutes to acknowledge the people who, some might say, bailed him out.

By Emily Veach

11:01 am

Volunteers at the press center cheered Mr. Kalmadi during his speech. Of course he was acknowledging the “army of 20,000 volunteers who are the backbone” of the Commonwealth Games.

By Krishna Pokharel

11:03 am

Picking up on what Amol said earlier, the Indian contingent was dressed a bit for a wedding, no? In maroon, with glittering gold borders for the ladies.

By Tripti Lahiri

10:53 am

Auspicious colors, should add.

By Tripti Lahiri

11:04 am

Anyone know whom the woman in a wheelchair in the Indian contingent is and what sport she plays?

By Tripti Lahiri

11:10 am

Prince Charles, Camilla, Prime Minister Singh, President Patil all stood for India. A nice touch. A young man in the audience has the tricolor painted on his face.

By Tripti Lahiri

11:06 am

@beeayeanoowhy via twitter:”Indian athletes, I salute you guys… thanks for making all of us proud. #CWG *bows down*”

By Anirban Roy

10:57 am

Mr. Kalmadi mentioned the adverse publicity on security, infrastructure, health and rains. He talks of India as a rising superpower, notes the new airport terminal, and says Delhi is now a truly world-class city. If only, sir.

By Paul Beckett

11:09 am

The Australian team during the Opening Ceremony for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. [Graham Crouch/Getty Images]

10:59 am

Mr. Kalmadi says athletes have told him that the Games Village is “better than many” they had been to. He’s taken it down a bit from a previous boast that it would be better than Beijing’s.

Mike Fennell, Games Federation president, began his speech with: “I can’t believe Suresh Kalmadi had the nerve to show up….”

Not really.

He said what he is expected to say. Thanked the right people, mentioned Mr. Kalmadi (who was jeered again), and talked about the “true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.” Says Games preparation was “filled with many challenges” but now it’s time for the competition.

By Paul Beckett

11:17 am

Mr. Fennell also says to the people of Delhi that the athletes and officials have been “touched by your kindness and your enthusiasm for being good host.” Delhi thinks: you have no idea how much bother we’ve been put through for you. (And you’re welcome.)

By Krishna Pokharel

11:14 am

The Queen’s Baton (if not the Queen) is now in the stadium, have traveled to all 71 countries and territories of the Commonwealth.

By Paul Beckett

11:14 am

Everyone’s standing and they’re showing images from various legs of the relay on the balloon.

By Emily Veach

11:15 am

The prime minister says this is “a proud moment for all our countrymen.”

By Paul Beckett

11:15 am

@madversity via twitter: “The rage against corruption and the confident welcome for Pakistan symbolise a new India. #cwg“

By Anirban Roy

11:07 am

Crowd is spontaneously chanting, “WE ARE INDIA!” But quietened for Prince Charles to speak.

By Emily Veach

11:18 am

Prince Charles called the ceremonies “splendid.” We agree.

By Paul Beckett

11:19 am

The baton, lit in Indian colors, made its way around the stadium to the prince.

11:20 am

In Mr. Kalmadi’s speech, I note that the mention of Sheila Dikshit got laud applause. But mention of Indian and foreign media did not. Wonder why.

By Tripti Lahiri

11:11 am

One spectator's thoughts

Vinod Gupta, a local physician, said the highlight for him so far was Hariharan’s performance. He says the pressure is on A.R. Rahman now: “He has a reputation to live up to.”

As for the overall vibe: “I think the ceremony is already improving the mood after adverse publicity. Venues are all great – no issue there. The only issue was all the delays, so we had to do so much last-minute, and all the corruption. That’s why Kalmadi got boos. Otherwise the entire Games would be fantastic.”

By Amol Sharma

11:23 am

The spectators surrounding me are families, with a few small children starting to rest on their mothers’ laps. They are clicking their tongues in annoyance at the vuvuzela honks that come during speeches, and rightly so. They want to soak up every word of the speeches.

By Emily Veach

11:18 am

The Games have begun!

And with that, the Games have begun. Now we’re straight back into music and lights.

By Emily Veach

11:29 am

Sanita, a Delhiite, says she has been planning to attend the opening ceremony since India won the hosting gig. “It’s our history,” she said. “It’s spectacular.”

By Emily Veach

11:35 am

Indian athletes pose with the national flag as they around the stadium during the XIX Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. [MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images]

11:20 am

I can’t help but imagine watching an India vs. Pakistan cricket match in this stadium (though of course there’s no cricket in the Games). It’s a great, open venue. Not a bad seat in the house. It would surely come alive with all of India’s favorite cricketers.

By Emily Veach

11:33 am

It pays to have connections.

The two guys next to me got their tickets a while back because they are distant relatives of India’s minister of state for sports (junior minister). One of the men, Shivraj Patil, says they are from Maharashtra and were particularly proud during President Patil’s speech (she’s from the state too).

By Amol Sharma

11:37 am

Abhinav Bindra took a pledge of fair sportsmanship “for the honor of our Commonwealth and the glory of our sports” on behalf of all the athletes participating in the Games. Best of luck everyone!

By Krishna Pokharel

11:37 am

chau_s‎ via twitter: “Nice to see Vijender with the baton and now marykom our gem”

By Anirban Roy

11:37 am

We’re heading into Avatar territory with the Tree of Knowledge, giant panels that will form a Chinar, or plane tree, of the sort especially popular in Kashmir, between the stadium floor and, you guessed it, the aerostat. Accompanied by traditional dancing.

By Paul Beckett

11:38 am

The Queen’s message was that she hoped it would be “the experience of a lifetime.” Delhi feels it already has been.

By Paul Beckett

11:39 am

Up from the stage rise shining ribbons that become a tree trunk, with the aerostat as the leafy top. Dancers in light blue, yellow, red and gray twirl and sway.

By Emily Veach

11:45 am

India’s delegation led by flag bearer and shooter Abhinav Bindra arrive onto the field during the opening ceremony. [AFP/Getty Images]

11:32 am

President Patil talked earlier of the Games showing “human endeavor at its best.” As opposed to, say, the Games prep. Then said, “Let the Game begin.” So that was the compromise they reached.

By Paul Beckett

11:44 am

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, receives the Queen’s Baton from Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar during the opening ceremony. [AFP/Getty Images]

11:44 am

Now ringing the floor is a mass of performers with a sort of white-light halo on their heads and palms pressed together in a namaste.

By Emily Veach

11:34 am

Is this the yoga contingent?

By Paul Beckett

11:35 am

Families in the crowd are passing their cameras around so they can all later prove they witnessed this spectacle of a ceremony.

By Emily Veach

11:50 am

Yep, the kids with the glowing headbands are going to work out. It’s mass yoga.

By Paul Beckett

11:56 am

Guess what? Us Doordarshan watchers are watching another ad…with Shah Rukh Khan for the Kingdom of Dreams.

By Tripti Lahiri

11:53 am

Interesting that India has put on, so far, a largely classical and folk arts show.

What we haven’t seen so far is the Bollywood pop that clogs the airwaves 24/7. We’ve seen the classical dance form Kathak and “jugalbandi,” vocal jamming between a little girl and an older singer. That transitioned into bharatnatyam dance. All very pure forms.

The choreography is precise, the costumes beautiful, the music on-point. But this is definitely Lonely Planet/Discovery Channel India, not Zee TV/Colors India. Impressive.

By Amol Sharma

11:43 am

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, gives a speech after placing the Queen’s Baton in its holder during the opening ceremony. [AFP/GettyImages]

11:55 am

The temperature in this stadium feels like it’s going up! With so many people packed in together on hard plastic seats, we’re all becoming one sticky family. I’m not sure that’s what Prime Minister Singh had in mind when he said we’d all leave as family.

By Emily Veach

11:55 am

Sun salutation! My yoga instructor would be proud. The stadium is rumbling with the deep bass reverb from the music.

By Emily Veach

12:00 pm

Some on the stage are doing handstands. It must be tough with all the noise. Om.

By Emily Veach

11:57 am

There are also Sanskrit verses being chanted while the men and women do the yoga asanas (poses).

By Krishna Pokharel

12:00 pm

Possibly the best effect so far. A man in the padma asana, or lotus pose, legs crossed, hands on knees, emerges in light. He is all stripes of light and the wheels of his chakra rise within him.

Terrific stuff, especially with the vedic chants. But we are rather brought back down to earth by the annoucement that the next segment – the Great Indian Journey – is brought to us by Indian Railways.

By Paul Beckett

12:00 pm

udaynath‎ via twitter: “India is the only country in the world that can pull of 8 min ad slots in something like the CWG opening” referring to the frequent breaks for commercials by Doordarshan during the live (but now delayed but still showing the asten of live) telecast.

By Anirban Roy

12:05 pm

Apparently the Great Indian Journey, or at least part of it, took place on a bicycle cause we have bikes carrying milk urns. This is authentic indeed. Also a giant train. Or at least I think it’s a train. And, yes, it even has people riding on the roof.

By Paul Beckett

12:02 pm

I’m trying to imagine this lotus figure. I guess I’ll understand all about the chakras when Doordarshan broadcasts that bit one hour later…or tomorrow.

I guess this is our payback for not having the sporting or city spirit to buy tickets and go through two hours of security.

By Tripti Lahiri

12:09 pm

Impressive performance by the Indian Army Band. Something about military tunes.

By Anirban Roy

12:04 pm

The train with people on top is a nod to the Shah Rukh Khan hit flick “Dil Se,” which had a dance scene on a train roof. They were playing the right tune, “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” but there wasn’t a surprise King Khan appearance. Alas.

By Amol Sharma

11:55 am

Ah, the train is a series of floats. Testimony to, judging by what is passing now, bangle makers, Bollywood, balloon makers, politicians (in an Ambassador car), tea, textiles, and something that looks like a computer–ah, that must be outsourcing.

By Paul Beckett

12:07 pm

Shaduly M.Z. of Kerala has been here watching the show preparations since Sept 15. He is part of a group performing at the closing ceremony. He’s seen this show a few times already at the army camp. The camp has a mobile phone jammer and no cameras have been allowed inside.

“There are the Bollywood heroes” and he named them as the train rolled past with their images. This railway part is “of course” his favorite part. Sweeeet.

By Emily Veach

11:57 am

A strong bricklayer contingent. Yes, carrying bricks on the head. These guys look like they could have built the Games Village in a few days. And, there’s a guy on a bike with a watermelon. Go India go.

By Paul Beckett

12:07 pm

Indian soldiers march with the Commonwealth Games flag during the opening ceremony. [AFP/Getty Images]

11:58 am

Apparently performers aren’t guaranteed seats. Outside the West side of the stadium, some of the first acts (like the drummers) are sitting on green turf mats. Just hanging out. Maybe bureaucrat #1,086 would like to give up his seat?? I will investigate.

By Amol Sharma

12:10 pm

riyadp‎ via twitter: “just checkd a live stream of the #CWG on the net. DDSprts is showin it to us on a 10min delay!! WTF??? the rotw gets it 10 mins before us!”

The aerostat is showing accompanying visuals of elephants, women walking by a river, sacks of grain. But it’s being completely outshone by the women in the stadium with five giant pots on their heads. This is fun, pretty tongue in cheek. Bravo.

By Paul Beckett

12:12 pm

As in they’re saying that the people doing that sort of backbreaking work for real daily are the true stars of the country? That’s a nice touch, if so.

By Tripti Lahiri

12:13 pm

My helpful neighbor Shaduly MZ leaned over to make sure I recognized another gentleman. I may not know any actors other than Amitabh Bachchan, but I do know Mahatma Gandhi when I see his image.

By Emily Veach

12:19 pm

People in the crowd are starting to shimmy a little bit to the music. I predict they go bonkers for A.R. Rahman’s finale. Anyone want to bet against me on that one?

By Emily Veach

12:15 pm

The aerostat is illuminated in green depicting a tree at opening ceremony. [AFP/Getty Images]

12:16 pm

The show has slowed a little for the Mahatma and some sand art. That fell a little flat.

By Paul Beckett

12:18 pm

I hear fireworks (even though I’m about a kilometer or more away from the stadium). First I thought it was thunder. Fortunately not.

By Tripti Lahiri

12:19 pm

Gentlemen on bikes with sparklers shooting out the back. Now that’s low-tech. But now the fireworks are going off overhead. Grand Finale time.

By Paul Beckett

12:20 pm

A.R. Rahman appears for 'Swagatham'

It’s Rahman-time. Funny that this was viewed as a dud when he released it. Not that the crowd is going to care. It’s the Games theme song and he’s sticking to it. The stadum is bathed in red and the man himself appears in white.

By Paul Beckett

12:10 pm

v4ibhav‎ via twitter: “Blown away by the show India is putting up at the #CWG. I today am a very proud Indian.”

By Anirban Roy

12:21 pm

It’s a cultural explosion. Dancers from all over India coming together as one. Unity in motion. No one’s thinking about the “challenges” referred to in the opening remarks nay more. Ok, maybe you are now that I mentioned them. My bad.

By Emily Veach

12:21 pm

I have been wandering around trying to find a foreign tourist to interview. Hard to do. Just when I thought I found one, Vivian Maguire of Scotland, she turns out to be here for a specific reason: “My daughter is competing in hockey – I didn’t just stumble upon Delhi,” she says. “The ceremony has been beautiful; so many diverse elements they’re bringing together.”

Jai ho!

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. [AFP/Getty Images]

12:27 pm

For those who don’t know, that’s his megahit from the Oscar-winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire.” It’s a slightly odd choice since many Indians found the movie an offensive portrayal of India and it was, after all, foreign made. But “Jai Ho” has been taken to heart as all-Indian after the Oscars were given out to Mr. Rahman too.

By Paul Beckett

12:28 pm

More fireworks — Jai Ho! — more fireworks. Green, yellow, flashes, purple. The crowd get behind him finally, and “Jai Ho” and the pyrotechnics add to the overall sense of “spectacular.”

By Paul Beckett

12:19 pm

Most of the crowd around me is sitting, except those moving for an early exit. A group with Canada shirts on just passed by. It will be a long wait to get out, but this show is one not to miss, people!

By Emily Veach

12:20 pm

Rahman is a small figure on the stage and the assembled dancers and drummers and arrayed around him. Even the reporter next to me is starting to move a little. This must be something. It’s full bore fireworks time. Great stuff.

The lighted headbands probably looked cooler from a distance — up close they’re headbands with lots of little light bulbs. And up close, some of the yoga performers do not have yoga bodies and perhaps should not be in those outfits.

But from a distance must have been delightful.

By Tripti Lahiri

12:24 pm

One final round of vuvuzela honks for Mr. Kalmadi during the closing thanks. I think he was mentioned three times. I noticed because his name preceded this chorus of horns to my left.

The vuvuzela guys near me laugh when I ask about that and say they are honking in support of the Games, not around any particular person.

By Emily Veach

12:25 pm

They’re keeping everyone inside for a bit as the VIPs leave.

By Paul Beckett

12:44 pm

sjain31‎ via twitter: “so finally we have chaiyyan chaiyana too …” referring to the popular Bollywood song shot on a train.

By Anirban Roy

12:45 pm

Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. [AFP/Getty Images]

12:36 pm

The train journey really is awesome — think it’s my favorite bit of the show. They had the coolies in their red and white uniforms — the train porters. And the cycle shop on a train was great — it looked like a Subodh Gupta metal sculpture.

It mocked the politicians — there are three guys in the typical white outfits and caps, surrounded by multiple loudspeakers. A very clever bit.

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